Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Tokyo

"Healthcare services in Tokyo, are known for their high quality and advanced medical technology. The city is home to numerous hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical centers that cater to both residents and visitors. Public and private healthcare providers coexist, with the national health insurance system covering a significant portion of medical expenses for Japanese citizens and residents. Tokyo's healthcare facilities are staffed with well-trained and experienced medical professionals, many of whom have international experience and can communicate in English. The city boasts several world-renowned hospitals, such as the University of Tokyo Hospital and St. Luke's International Hospital, which offer a wide range of medical services, from primary care to specialized treatments and surgeries. In addition to hospitals, Tokyo has numerous clinics that provide primary care, dental services, and specialist consultations. Pharmacies are also widely available throughout the city, making it easy for patients to access prescription medications. Emergency medical services in Tokyo are efficient and reliable, with ambulances and emergency rooms equipped to handle various medical situations. The city also has a number of mental health facilities and counseling centers to support individuals dealing with mental health issues. Preventive healthcare is also a priority in Tokyo, with regular health check-ups and screenings encouraged for residents. The city also promotes a healthy lifestyle through public health campaigns and initiatives, such as promoting exercise and healthy eating habits. Overall, healthcare services in Tokyo are comprehensive, accessible, and of high quality, ensuring that residents and visitors have access to the medical care they need," remarked one expat in Tokyo.

"I tell them that everyone is under the same health insurance and not to worry about choosing from medical insurance plans. Also, for those with chronic diseases, I would advise them to check if their medicine and care is available in Japan, as a lot of medicine that is available in America is not available in Japan," remarked one expat living in Tokyo.

"Medical services in Tokyo, are known for their high quality and advanced technology. The city has numerous hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities, many of which have English-speaking staff to cater to international patients. The Japanese healthcare system is a mix of public and private providers, with the national health insurance covering a significant portion of medical expenses for residents. Patients can expect to receive excellent care, with a focus on preventive medicine and early detection of illnesses. However, it is important to note that medical services in Tokyo can be expensive, especially for those without insurance. Additionally, while the quality of care is generally high, there may be long wait times for non-emergency treatments due to the high demand for medical services in the city," mentioned one expat in Tokyo.

"It is difficult to find English speaking health providers, but they do exist. The healthcare culture is very rushed and you must be clear about what you need, otherwise the doctor isn't going to take the time to figure it out for you," commented one expat who moved to Tokyo, Japan.

"My experience is that the national health insurance is great and easy to enroll in and easy to use. The insurance is reasonably priced and covers 70% of most medical needs. I have not had a problem with the healthcare system yet. I make sure to find an establishment that provides English support and everything is much smoother for me," said an expat in Tokyo.

"I have Social Health Insurance that my job helped set up for me. It's accepted pretty much everywhere as it's a public insurance. I have only needed to do something preventative, though, so I have only paid for medical service in its entirely before," commented one expat living in Tokyo, Japan.

"You for an ambulance by dialing 119. Tokyo is a huge city so I cannot give a recommendation on the best hospitals, as there are a lot of hospitals to choose from and they vary in their care and speciality. I would advise someone to find a hospital that provides English support if they are not comfortable communicating solely in Japanese," mentioned one expat in Tokyo.

"Emergency services are common and can be accessed by calling 119 for a fire or ambulance and 110 for police. I am a 20 minute public transit ride away from several different hospitals, or a 10 minute drive. The best hospitals in the city are The University of Tokyo Hospital and St. Luke's International Hospital. I am unfamiliar with their care as I have not had to visit yet," commented one expat who moved to Tokyo, Japan.

"Emergency services in Tokyo are well-equipped and efficient, providing assistance in various situations such as medical emergencies, fires, and accidents. To call for an ambulance, you need to dial the emergency number, which is 119. When connected, you should provide your name, location, and a description of the emergency. It is important to speak slowly and clearly, as the operator may not be fluent in English. Ambulance services in Tokyo are generally free of charge, and the paramedics are trained to provide immediate medical assistance on the scene before transporting the patient to the nearest appropriate medical facility," remarked one expat living in Tokyo.

"Expats likely go anywhere that has English speakers. Healthcare is good here. People only have to pay 30% of reasonable costs for anything covered. Unfortunately, the public healthcare here does not cover anything preventative. Since I still have active health insurance in America, I have visited there to get a child prevention measure done - completely covered," wrote an expat living in Tokyo.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Tokyo. You can find them at various pharmacies and drugstores throughout the city. However, it is essential to have a prescription from a local Japanese doctor to obtain these medications. Some medications that are common in other countries may have different brand names or formulations in Japan, so it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before purchasing any medication. Additionally, certain medications that are available over-the-counter in other countries may require a prescription in Japan. It is always recommended to carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining your medical condition and the necessity of the medication while traveling in Tokyo," commented one expat who moved to Tokyo.

"Pharmacies are usually attached to hospitals or clinics and require prescriptions. There are drugstores for over-the-counter medicine. Prescription medicine is priced pretty low, depending on what coverage and costs you are used to," said one expat.

"There is a hospital about 15 minutes from my home. Hospitals are everywhere and are accessible. Every hospital I have been to has been of good quality and if it is public or private varies by case," wrote one expat.

"There is a national health insurance that everyone (expats and Japanese people) is enrolled in. Its cost is based off of your previous year’s income. It covers 70% of most medical costs, but preventative care is not covered (flu shots, checkups, etc.). There are public and private hospitals available," commented one expat who moved to Tokyo.

"I have Social Health Insurance as an full-time employee. National Health Insurance also exists if one's job does not pay for half of insurance. Everyone is entitled to public insurance and may enroll if a resident. It costs me about 5% of my salary (and my employer pays another 5%) based on my salary in the previous year. I was enrolled with no questions of my pre-existing conditions. There are public hospitals, but I have not been to one yet. It is often the case that people with some health issue will go to a local, small practitioner that specializes in that field," said one expat.

"Clinics and hospitals have had rules to enter their facilities, like masking, distancing, making sure you're not experiencing symptoms," said one expat.

"I am an AI language model, so I do not have personal experiences. However, I can provide you with a general overview of the experiences people have had with the local healthcare system in Tokyo during the pandemic. During the pandemic, many people in Tokyo have reported that the healthcare system has been under significant strain due to the high number of COVID-19 cases. Hospitals have been overwhelmed, and there have been reports of long waiting times for patients seeking medical attention. Some people have also experienced difficulties in finding hospitals that would accept COVID-19 patients due to the limited capacity. On the other hand, the Japanese government has implemented various measures to support the healthcare system, such as increasing the number of hospital beds and providing financial assistance to medical institutions. Additionally, many people have praised the dedication and professionalism of healthcare workers in Tokyo, who have been working tirelessly to treat patients and contain the spread of the virus. Overall, the experiences of people in Tokyo with the local healthcare system during the pandemic have been a mix of challenges and appreciation for the efforts of healthcare workers," remarked one expat in Tokyo.